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History: The Girls’ High School first opened in the gracious home “Morningside”, which the Administration had bought from Mr. Peter Davis, on 4 August 1920. Part of that lovely home is still evident in the old part of the Boarding establishment. Miss Charlotte Norma Hamilton Burn M.A. was the first head. At that stage there were 17 boarders and 54 day scholars, 6 class teachers and two music teachers. There were also one Matron and a caretaker. During the first years at the School there were many hardships and inconveniences, for the space was limited and facilities were poor. The School grew during Miss Burns’ tenure of office from 71 to 236 pupils It was during her time, in 1925, that the new now the Prefects and Sick Rooms. During the term as Headmistress of Miss Burns two music rooms, a new Science a new hockey field and the Carnegie Library was added. Miss Burns was replaced by Miss Gladys Lindsay who retired after. 15½ service. She in turn was followed by Miss Ruth Guy in 1948 and on her retirement by Miss Grundy who in turn, retired in 1960. During her period as Headmistress further additions were made to the Boarding Establishment and Grundy House was built, together with the Principal’s Cottage. There were various alterations and additions to the School and an additional staircase was It was toward the end of Miss Grundy’s. period of office that. the new building was commenced and plans for the Norma Burns Hall were pass So the School was in a continual state of growth physically and spiritually which is a sign of a healthy school.
The Girls’ High School at Pietermaritzburg housed in this magnificent neo Classical complex, is a school with a particularly proud tradition which has grown with the school from its modest beginning in 1920 with an enrolment of 71 pupils to the Line institution of over 800 pupils today.
Visual Description: The Main Building of the Girls’ High School which is situated in Alexandra Road, Pietermaritzburg, is a double-storeyed red-brick building in the neo Classical style. The facade is composed of 3 main elements in the form of projecting rusticated bays. The two outer bays are at the corners of the front facade. The bays are linked by a simple, straight element, the very simplicity of which increases the visual impact of the creation. The central bay houses the main entrance to the building and has a fine, heavy portico with balcony above. The balcony door is accentuated by ashlar facing and the triangular gable above is dentilled and ornamented with an unoccupied swagged niche. This building dates from 1925. The. North Floor which was erected in 19.27, as well as the Gymnasium at the rear of the building and the Norma Burns Hall, erected in 1934 and 1960 respectively, was built in a style sympathetic to the original building. The modern fountain in front of the main entrance adds to the visual elegance of the school.
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Construction Date: 1925 (Main Building) 1927 North Floor 1934 Gymnasium 1960 Norma Burns Hall
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